On the deck, the students were still immersed in their amazement and discussion of the mysterious island. Excited chatter rose in waves, one after another, while sunlight fell across their eager faces and the sea breeze carried a damp, salty scent through their hair. Amid the hubbub, the familiar announcement sounded once more—gentle and clear, yet with an undeniable force that carried to every ear:
"Attention, all students. We will soon be docking at the uninhabited island owned by our school. Please change into the designated sportswear within thirty minutes, carefully check your permitted luggage, and bring your personal phones to the deck. Do not bring any personal belongings aside from the necessary items. Please store everything else in your rooms. The restrooms are still available for use, so we recommend taking care of your personal needs in advance."
The announcement was like a cold stone dropped into a boiling lake. In an instant, the sightseeing atmosphere broke apart, replaced by a collective clamor filled with restlessness and curiosity.
"We're really going to the island!"
"We can finally set foot on it?!"
"Hurry, hurry! Let's go change!"
Like a startled swarm of bees, the crowd surged noisily toward the ship's interior. Exclamations and idle chatter were quickly replaced by urgent calls to get moving. Everyone was eager to set foot on that green-covered, unfamiliar land.
The Boys' Dormitory in Class B was just as chaotic. Shimiya Kuki briskly took off his casual shirt, revealing a well-trained torso with defined but not exaggerated muscles—and, impossible to miss, numerous old scars scattered across it. Just as he was about to pick up his sportswear, a sweaty hand suddenly wrapped around his shoulder from behind, pressing against him with both heat and weight.
"Hey, Shimiya!" It was Shibata Kaede. He leaned in close, still wearing that hearty smile that seemed incapable of fading. But his gaze quickly swept over the scars on Shimiya's back and chest. His teasing tone held a faint trace of tension that was hard to detect. "It's still a shock no matter how many times I see it... You're really okay, right?"
Shimiya didn't pause for even a moment. He picked up the dark blue sports jacket, his expression blank and his voice as flat as if he were commenting on the weather. "At least for now, all my functions are intact, and I'm in good health. You really don't need to worry." He put on the jacket.
"You'd better hurry up, too. If you're late, we won't wait for you."
"Yeah, yeah, I know!" Shibata seemed to have just been jolted into action and hurried to get dressed. Kanzaki Ryuji was already fully dressed nearby, meticulously adjusting his cuffs. Even the zipper at his collar was pulled to precisely the same height as the others, and he looked as focused as if performing some kind of ritual. Hamaguchi Tetsuya was nearly ready as well, bent over to tighten his shoelaces.
By the time the Class B students returned to the deck, it was already awash with a moving sea of blue and white. Students from the various classes wore matching sportswear, talking, jostling, and looking around. Their din was louder than the sea breeze. Class A had already formed a line, neat as if drawn with a ruler. In less than five minutes, all the First-Year Students had gathered on time. Their excitement and restlessness about the unknown adventure seemed almost visible in the air.
"Now then," the announcement sounded again at just the right moment, its steady voice guiding them with undeniable authority. "Please disembark in class order, beginning with Class A. Also, phones are not allowed on the island. Please hand your phones over to your Class Advisors before leaving the ship."
The students stepped forward in turn and handed over their phones to the Class Advisors standing at the gangway entrance, who had changed into sportswear as well. Class B followed Class A, and the process went smoothly. After handing their phones to Hoshinomiya-sensei, who greeted them with a radiant smile and a cute pose, they walked down the long gangway and finally stepped onto the soft, warm white sand.
Fine grains immediately enveloped the soles of their shoes, carrying the distinctive sensation of sand warmed by the sun. A strong sea breeze swept over them, bringing a more primal briny scent and the damp greenery of the distant forest. Looking up, they saw a dense, almost savage jungle looming right before them like a heavy, dark green barrier, radiating a silent, primeval pressure.
On the dazzling beach, their Class Advisor, Hoshinomiya Chie, bounced energetically as she waved. In her sportswear, she looked more like an overexcited upperclassman. "Over here, over here! Class B, come gather here—! (＾▽＾)"
The students quickly gathered around her. Hoshinomiya rose onto her toes and let her gaze spin around, checking that nobody had been left behind. Then she winked playfully. "All right! I don't suppose any little scatterbrain was forgotten on the ship? But just to be safe, I'm going to take attendance!"
"Ichinose Honami!"
"Here!"
"Shimiya Kuki!"
"Here."
"Kanzaki Ryuji!"
"Here."
"Shibata Kaede!"
"Here, Sensei!"
Attendance was completed in a flash amid the students' crisp or steady responses. Once she had confirmed everyone was present, Hoshinomiya planted her hands on her hips. A huge, radiant smile that nearly seemed to sparkle blossomed across her face as she announced to the neatly lined-up boys and girls:
"Boys and girls! Our heart-pounding island life is about to begin! Sunshine! Beaches! The ocean! The forest!" She waved her arms, her voice rising higher and higher. "This is a wonderful chance to strengthen your class spirit, forge revolutionary friendships, and even..." She deliberately drew out the last word, casting a mischievous glance at several students whose faces had suddenly turned red. Then she added teasingly, "...meet the person you're destined to be with! I'm super, super excited! (◍•ᴗ•◍)"
Her speech immediately drew a burst of laughter and a few embarrassed cries. Hoshinomiya's gaze, however, passed over the crowd and settled precisely on Shimiya Kuki, the most indifferent-looking student in the group, as if none of this had anything to do with him. Her smile instantly turned meaningful, even carrying a hint of anticipation at the prospect of watching what happened next. She put particular emphasis on her words:
"Especially you, Shimiya! You have to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Be sure to 'g-i-v-e i-t y-o-u-r a-l-l'! I've got my eye on you!" She even clenched a fist and gave him an exaggerated cheer.
Faced with this sudden and clearly intentional "special attention," Shimiya's expression didn't waver at all. He merely raised his eyes and replied in his usual flat, emotionless voice, "I'll do my best." It was as if she had said something that had nothing to do with him.
Amid the commotion, a low, authoritative voice with tremendous carrying power suddenly boomed through the loudspeakers, instantly drowning out all the noise:
"Silence."
The entire beach fell quiet at once. Everyone's gaze turned to the temporary white podium. Standing on it was Majima Tomoya, who taught English to the First-Year Students and also served as Class A's Class Advisor. He wore a crisp, dark teacher's uniform, completely at odds with the students and staff in sportswear and the relaxed beach setting. He looked like discipline itself had intruded upon a holiday resort, radiating a heavy, invisible pressure.
"First of all," Majima-sensei began. His sharp gaze swept over the mass of students below like an eagle's, while his voice came through the microphone, cold and clear. "I'm glad that all of you were able to arrive here safely today." It was a standard opening, but his tone held not the slightest hint of joy.
Then he changed course, his voice solemn and carrying a hint of perfunctory regret. "On the other hand, though it is only one person, I regret to inform you that a student will be unable to participate in this Special Exam for health reasons."
Shimiya's gaze shifted slightly at the words. It must be that girl from Class A. Given her condition, she really couldn't endure a demanding wilderness challenge like this. His eyes discreetly passed over the Class A line, confirming the empty spot, and he understood. A subdued murmur of whispers, tinged with both sympathy and curiosity, rose among the students around him.
Majima-sensei didn't give the discussion time to spread. He raised his voice slightly, and his stern, icy words struck everyone's eardrums like something solid, announcing the true purpose of the trip clearly and beyond all doubt:
"Now then—" His gaze slowly swept across every young face, still bright with excitement but now tinged with suspicion. He spoke each word with force:
"—we will officially begin this academic year's first Special Exam."
Before you continue